What’s Happening with GFCs?

Review Committee Feedback

The Committee met for a final time to share feedback on this list of topics:

• Methodology options: Meter Capacity Equivalents or Equivalent Residential Units
• Water GFC – Two zones or one zone
• Accounting for interest on existing facilities
• Adding a 5/8th” meter option
• Growth vs. Rates - Funds collected from GFCs are dedicated to new capacity costs. Funds collected from rates can pay for both new capacity and replacement costs.
• Phase-in approaches
• Incentivizing certain development, like affordable housing

Targeted Outreach

Presentations are being made to stakeholder groups and organizations with the opportunity to ask questions about GFC fees.

• Association of General Contractors
• Housing Action Subcommittee
• Sustainability Action Subcommittee
• Equity Subcommittee
• Spokane Low-Income Housing Consortium (Aug. 16)
• Public Development Authority Organizations

View recent meeting recordings below.

GFC Review Committee Meeting

July 26, 2023

GFC Update to City Council

July 24, 2023

What's Next?

• Feedback is requested no later than Sept. 15 from stakeholders. Once received, a presentation will be made at Plan Commission meeting Sept. 27,
• Presentation to Administration and Council - TBD
• Public Works and Community & Economic Development will work to identify incentive programs.

What is a General Facilities Charge?

A General Facilities Charge is a connection fee paid by the property owner seeking to connect to the utility system. The charge includes the physical connection to the system and the equitable share of the cost of the system. GFC fees ensure future customers pay for the capacity that existing customers have already provided for them.

General Facilities Charges are a one-time fee imposed as a condition for a new utility connection. The fee represents a proportionate share of the capital investment made to provide system capacity for the utility service. Additionally, the fee can be used to fund capital projects or related debt services. General Facilities Charge fees may not be used to fund operation and maintenance costs.

Spokane Municipal Code: 13.04.2044

Spokane Municipal Code: 13.03.0734

Governing state law: RCW 35.92.025. 

Fast Facts about City GFCs

• GFCs have not been updated in 20 years
• GFCs are not keeping up with current costs
• An inflationary index is now included in the GFC updated ordinance

Give Us Your Feedback

Email us at gfcs@spokanecity.org with your thoughts and ideas about the status and future of General Facilities Charges. For more information, visit the GFC webpage.